How can I tell if furniture is solid wood?

Look for visible end grain, heavier construction, real joinery, and grain that continues across edges instead of repeating like printed laminate.

Can particle board be restored?

Some particle board can be painted cosmetically, but it usually cannot be refinished like solid wood and may not be worth a full restoration.

Why does material matter for the quote?

Material determines sanding depth, repair options, finish durability, and whether staining or painting is the better path.

Material Guide

Solid Wood vs Particle Board: What Furniture Is Worth Refinishing?

The material matters. A beautiful finish needs a stable piece underneath it.

Solid wood

Solid wood is usually the best candidate for restoration. It can often be sanded, repaired, stained, painted, sealed, and used for many more years.

Wood veneer

Veneer is a thin layer of real wood over another material. Quality veneer can be worth restoring, but it requires careful prep because aggressive sanding can damage it.

MDF and particle board

MDF and particle board are common in inexpensive flat-pack furniture. They can swell, chip, crumble, and fail to hold a durable finish if the material is already damaged.

How to check at home

Look at the underside, back, and inside drawer edges.
Check whether the grain continues around corners.
Look for swelling near feet, edges, or water-damaged areas.
Feel the weight and stiffness of the frame.

Broken Souls standard

The studio focuses on solid, well-built furniture that deserves a permanent place in your home. Disposable particle board is usually not the right fit.

Need help identifying the material?

Send photos of the front, underside, drawer sides, and any damaged edges.

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